Smoke is the ever-present bi-product of summer wildfires.   And the American Lung Association is once again warning those with respiratory problems to take precautions.  The ALA is urging those with respiratory conditions such as asthma, emphysema, bronchitis and heart problems to stay indoors or travel to a smoke-free location if possible.  They also urge extra precautions for children with lung ailments. The lung association says such children should refrain from strenuous activities outdoors.  Fire medical officer Jim Gross says, "Basic precautions are: stay out of the smoke. If you're living downwind of the column that's coming down at you, stay indoors. If you have air conditioning put it on. If you don't, maybe you could go visit someone in an outlying area out of the smoke."  Firefighters warn that ordinary face-masks are not effective against smoke.   HEPA-filter face-masks are effective but can be difficult for people with lung disease to use.

Al Van Zee